Author: Kevin Morgan

Over the last several years, going green has literally exploded in popularity around the country and people have been searching for newer and better ways to conserve and become environmentally friendly. One of the best methods to hop on board the green train is by conserving the electricity you use in your home, through environmentally friendly lighting. One of the simplest ways to cut down on the amount of electricity that you use in your home is to switch your bulbs from incandescent or other types of light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs, which dramatically cut down on the wattage used per light, yet give off equal light. Typically, an older incandescent light bulb that everyone used to use in the past is about seventy five to one hundred watts. A compact fluorescent bulb, although they come in various sizes, may be as low as fifteen watts, and the average is somewhere in the mid-twenties. Now, when you consider the amount of watts that are saved on a single bulb and then multiply that by the amount of lights in your home, you can start to see how much savings it really adds up to. Light Emitting-Diode bulbs, or LED lights are another form of energy saving bulbs, although they are not as popular as compact fluorescents. Either one of these types of bulbs, however, are a very intelligent way of making your house more ecofriendly, as well as saving you a ton of money on your monthly electric bill. Another great aspect of going green in the home when it comes to lighting is to make use of the lighting that is already available, such as sunlight. It is a great idea to make use of the natural sunlight while it is light out and you can do this by adding a window or skylight onto the home rather. Although this can be a money concern and is not practical for many people, if you can afford to add extra windows to your home, it can be a good way to bring in more natural light. Regardless of what method you take to make your house more environmentally friendly, the overall end point is always the same. Your goal should be to cut down on the total wattage that your home uses in electricity and the best starting point is to update the light bulbs in your home.

Solar panel systems are more affordable than ever, thanks to technological advances, mass production and increased competition among manufacturers. There has never been a better time to switch to solar and start reaping the benefits of renewable energy from the sun. Since the sun is expected to keep shining for another 5 billion years, the potential free energy production is virtually limitless. Traditional methods of producing electricity involve burning coal and other fossil fuels, an unsustainable process that contributes to global pollution and climate change. In comparison, solar is vastly more affordable and environmentally beneficial in the long term.

The Price of Solar is Falling

For years, solar panels had a reputation for being prohibitively expensive despite potential long-term savings. Many homeowners would like to lower their utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint, but may believe they cannot afford the initial cost of a solar system. However, prices for residential solar panels have dropped by more than 70 percent since the 1990s. Depending on where you live, federal and state tax credits can significantly decrease your upfront investment costs. With the variety of financing and lease options now available, homeowners can have solar panels installed for as little as zero money down. Solar panels will also increase the appeal and resale value of your home. SolarEnergyPlans.net offers information about financing and can help you get the wheels turning on your new solar panel system.

How They Work

Solar panels, or modules, work by converting photons from the sun into electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect. The panels consist of solar cells, usually made of silicon, which are attached to a rack and mounted on a roof or other location. Though the technology behind solar arrays may seem complex, installation is simple and the system requires very little maintenance once installed. An annual surface cleaning to clear dust and debris is enough to keep most solar arrays operating at full efficiency. The savings on your utility bill will vary depending on several factors, including local utility rates, climate, and the size and efficiency of the solar array. Even a modest solar panel system can offer significant monthly savings, however, as well as a sizable reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Saving Energy Makes Sense

We all live busy lives these days, but even when we’re on the go it’s important to save energy in our homes. Saving energy not only saves money, but is also better for the environment and the community. The best way to save energy is to purchase a house already equipped with money-saving features like a complete thermal enclosure system saving home-owners up to 20% on their utility bills. But what if you’re not in the market for a new house or you live in an apartment? There are plenty of options for residents to save energy in the home.

Energy Saving Tips for Homeowners and Renters

Whether a person rents or owns, there are many preventative practices that can greatly reduce the amount of energy used in the home. Some solutions for heating and air savings are to change out air filters regularly and to clean out air ducts. Depending on the type, air filters should be changed out at least once every three months. To save electricity, consider using advanced power strips for your high power usage electronics. Even when electronic devices are not in use they pull power. By using power strips, this will reduce the amount of electricity used when the devices are in use and when they are not. If you travel for work or keep long hours away from home, setting an automatic timer for lights and other appliances will save energy and deter theft. Adjusting the water heater temperature to 120 degrees will save power and prevent burns to the skin.

Energy Saving Solutions for Homeowners

When you own your home there are more solutions that can save energy. Small changes can make a big difference and will allow you to save energy even when you’re away from home. A water saving solution is to install and use low-flow faucets and shower heads. This will save gallons of water each month. Making sure that the heating and air system is tuned up yearly can save thousands of dollars. By installing a programmable thermostat the temperature can be set to stay lower (for heat) or higher (for air conditioning) during the hours no one is at home. Adding more insulation or replacing older insulation with a more efficient grade will also help maintain the air quality and temperature. Checking seals around windows and doors at least once a year will identify leaks that can be repaired. These simple and cost-effective solutions will help save energy and keep your home comfortable for years to come.